Since this is a war, actions made by anybody that would do something to the environment in a large scale should be mentioned with a bolded Attn: to indicate such a thing at the top or bottom of your post. Participants in the war are encouraged to incorporate these large scale events into their posts. Of course it doesn't have to harm you, just mention that they're happening. This is so that this war would be a lot more interesting.

(This post is intended to be used as the Gotei 13s Head Quarters and seat of power for the 2008 Summer War. All fighters of the gotei 13: Please post your introduction to the war within this factory before you leave for battle within the city. We ask that, at any time during the war, you return to base for weapons, equipment and medical items, which will be provided to you by the 12th and 4th Division. At any time fighters of the Gotei 13 will be called back to defend the Steel Mill in the event of an attack.

We ask that opponents to the Gotei 13 do not attack the Head Quarters immediately, as per the rules of the war. Wait a minimum of two weeks before beginning you assault on a clans respective Head Quarters.)HQ Description

The Atlas Unified Steel and Iron Mill had stood against war and recession. It had held against both the fist of man and the bullets of soldiers. It had been knocked down, beaten up and burned, yet it had always stood strong. It had faced the best and worst of men with silent eyes and an empty face. Yet it could not stand against time itself.

The Mill had -so long ago, before the Great Invasion- been a glistening symbol of the city of Atlas and its Industrial dreams. It had been built in the early years of the citys life, a tiny little warehouse built around crude, makeshift forge. It had been built to burn the cheep iron, which was dredged out of the hills by the impoverished miners who scraped the land about the city. Yet soon the hills began to yield, and what used to be a failing operation began to thrive. Giant forges were purchased and dragged down from the greatest steel mills. Workers began to crowd the mill, erecting walls about the machinery, to hide the glowing beasts. The forges glowed night and day, metal falling into the hot coals to build more machines for the mill. The warehouse began to grow quickly. The small steel shack became a factory, the factory a Mill. The Steel Mill began to grow and grow, till where once stood a tiny shack is now a huge complex of factories and offices, all enclosed within a high steel fence. The tall smokestacks of the forge bellowed out smoke, which covered the clear blue sky and blotted out the sun. And every man, woman and child who worked and lived beneath its shadow would turn to the great building and intone: The flames of the forges will go on long after we are dust!

The men and women are now dust, and the forges flames are cold and dead.

The Atlas Steel Mill is empty now, its once thriving chambers cold and dark. The Great West Bridge that spans the Atlas River, a thoroughfare that nearly a thousand steel workers once walked each day, is now empty and crumbling slowly into the river. The well-trodden road leading to the main gates is cracked and wearing. The road weaves out past a set of tiny guardhouses before hitting the main gate. The complex was surrounded by a short wall of steel fencing, designed more for show than anything else. During the war it was ruined and torn down, replaced by the soldiers. In its stead now stands a heavily steel fence, topped with barbed wire and reinforced with extra links. All roads leading into the mill were guarded, a small post and a wooden bar serving their purpose nicely. During the occupation giant cement blocks were set into the gates and the guardhouses enforced. The only buildings left to guard within the once great complex are the Forge, the Processing Plant, the Oil Refinery and the Company Offices.

The forge is the largest of the building, resting neatly at the very heart of the complex. Its walls are of solid cement, hardened against heat and explosions. Few windows dot the cold exterior of the cement block, its only decoration being the four great smokestacks, which rise out of its top like a crown. Yet the crown has been shattered, and one of the smoke stacks lies smashed upon the dirtied ground, vines and small plants growing in the broken shells protection. There is only one entrance into the forge, two great steel doors facing the main gate. The forge is only one great chamber, filled to bursting with giant machines and vats, now rusting from neglect. Pipes and catwalks criss-cross the room, inter-connecting the twelve great steel beasts that were the forges. A maze of gears and inter-connecting cogs fill the air, rusted still. A great steel pot, once designed to hold pounds of liquid metal, is overturned in the center of the chamber, a pool of solidified steel enveloping it.

Atop the Forge is the Processing plant. The processing plant is connected to the ground by a maze of stairways and scaffolding, which wrap around the smokestacks and the cement building of the forge like rusted vines. The processing plant is a wide and expansive, chamber upon chamber of conveyor belts and cooling bins. Great machines are here, designed to lift and bundle away the bits of metal for shipping. There are offices and rooms in the Processing Plant also, where overseers would look down upon a thousand men toiling upon the machines. Yet the glassed offices are empty now, and the machines rusted and empty.

The Oil Refinery was constructed to fill the demand for oil that the growing metropolis began to cry for. It is a great cylindrical structure, higher and larger than any of the other buildings. Its roof is cracked open now, the great dome shattered, allowing the sunlight to pour down and into the maze of pipes and basins. The Oil Refinery is a single large chamber. Housed within was the refiner, a towering machine that rose from the base to the very top. Wound around the refiner are a mass of pipes and catwalks, which go from the very bottom to the top in a maze of rusting metal.

The final building, the Company Offices, sits in the north section of the compound. It is a rectangular building; nearly ten stories high, each story with a row of windows, now broken and dusty. Through the shattered glass doors of the building is the reception area, a long hallway capped at the very end with a desk, beneath the gilded globe, the symbol of the city of Atlas. From the reception area hallways and stairways branch off through the building, leading to levels of offices and chambers, where CEOs and corporate drones toiled away day after day. Yet now the typewriters are cracked and dusty, and the desks broken and rotting. The hallways are empty, papers ruffling and dancing in the breeze.

Everything was silent in the Atlas Unified Steel and Iron Works. The still of death had creped over the once prosperous empire, leaving nothing but cold and rust to draw over its corpse.

Yet new life was drawing in, albeit a dead life.

In the very basement of the Forge, hidden away within the innards of a cracked steel cauldron, light poured out. An elegant gate had grown out of the darkness, a portal crackling with energy and light. And out of that portal, pouring out like a black tide, came an army of Soul Reapers. Some carried machinery, others equipment. Yet most simply carried the blades on their back and honor in their hearts. They swarmed over the building, a mob of black and white robes. Soon the old Steel Mill, deserted for so long, had new life in it. The Death gods swarmed over the fields between the buildings, slamming mines and bombs into the soft earth. Inhuman skeletons swung from the pipes, soaring effortlessly between building from building. Men and women seethed over the maze of catwalks and stairs, dragging armor and weapons with them. In a matter of an hour a graveyard of industry was rebuilt and reborn. Yet now not as a factory, but as a fortress.

~~~~~~

Lend me the silent forge amongst the dawn's resting place. It is there that I will lay down and be forever comforted by the grief of my stubborn will to live.

"Get these piles of debris moved! I want the floor cleared of any obstructions so we're not stepping on this stuff and slicing our shoes up before we're even out on the field!" said Toushirou to a random soldier. It was in the middle of a factory that the young commander general stood as he, among many others, hustled to set up the various traps for the oncoming hoards to be greeted by.

"What do we do with them?" said a random soldier who stood nearby.

"Pick up all this metal and pile it up over there. Break up the larger pieces into tinier fragments. Twelfth Division needs it for something... I don't know what." Toushirou moved about the factory room acting as a supervisor for his troops.

"I'd always wondered why you didn't bring your kid along with you." said the soldier as he moved a small bunch of steel aside and sat down a mechanism atop the cold hard pavement.

"The little bastard doesn't really need to be out here amidst all this violence. Besides, I could send him to the real world and have him watch the The Action Channel if I wanted him to grow up a bit in that sense." Toushirou paused as he held his hand up to his ear, pressing a small button that rode the side of a tiny plastic device.

Atop Toushirou's ear sat an wireless intercom that began to hum soundly with every bit of static bringing its irritating presence into the closed in area. A high pitched screech suddenly bellowed from this spot as another random soldier, standing atop guard railing that hung overhead, spoke, "Yo, you're ear's ringing! Don't you know we don't get Blue Tooth out here."

"Yeah sure and another thing we don't get, is sleep when you tick off your General." pausing for the slightest moment, the Taichou with a gesture of an eye roll, moved toward the outter area as he walked into the open air. "This is Toushirou. Did you set up the placement traps along the outer permimeter." It took a moment for his colleague to reply, but the moment he did, Toushirou began to smirk.

"I see, so that's how it is. And the escort teams haven't arrived yet then? I suppose they got held up with Fusao's shenanigans then no? Just note that I'm not out here today to babysit. With that in mind, you'll have to pardon my stern plea for assistance. I need you to step it up. You're telling me five minutes to set up that crap? I'm giving you three before I step over there and whack you upside the head with the backside of my sword." Again he paused as he paced back and forth, looking around and seeing the massive hoard of troops who were all cloaked in black and readily doing their work.

"I know, Kuroiirai isn't a morning person. It seems that deep down inside, I guess I am kinda a lazy person. With that in mind, this will be the first time I've fought since I was trained. I need to head out. I believe that we're looking to get some more work done before the bell begins to sound and our hinds are getting camped by the opposition forces."

Toushirou sighed as he paced around the room looking deeper within into the factory. "I can see all of you who are putting your hearts into prepping us for this war. For now, rest assured that your efforts will not be in vain. It's just that right now, we won't know if putting our lives on the line really will be worth all the trouble.... I just hope it is." The Taichou paused as he scoped out the vicinity, looking around to see his men rushing about the room with energy that would soon deplete from field work. "Hey you!" he exclaimed to another officer who was walking by.

"Have Twelfth Squad Captain get down here to pick up his junk. We need to touch base with him on exactly what's going on and how we're going to utilize all this stuff for his 'technology.'"

And with that, the soldier disappeared into the crowd. It was ultimately a risky thing that the forces of the afterlife were about to disembark on, and for now, the peace in the chaos was still readily there, waiting for them all to drop their guard so that it may usher in the cry of war which everyone was expecting, but no one was truly ready to engage.

Note: 'hiten sage' was banned from the community for failing to adhere to the community standards.

Head Quarters Post- Post Title: Intro:<Residential area>

As the beautiful beam of morning light touched the zenith of the ruined city, giving off a hazy glow and revealing firm rock formations covered with the splendor of illumination. The sky remained dark, even in the magnificent presence of the radiant sun. Like a museum, the city displayed many features and textures of old, and preserved its artifacts well. As the thin, gray clouds passes over the sun like a thick blanket, a lone figure could be seen, standing atop a rock. Who could this man's identity be? One might conclude from the long, white hair, the clear ,topaz eyes, and the caramel appearing skin with an odd shaped kanji on his back; that this was a former 11th vice captain, Byakurai Youkai. His kimono top symbol, was torn away, ripped asunder by his very hands. The clothes on his back resembled that of shredded rags; He sported a ripped, sleeveless kimono top, black samurai pants, and black tabi socks with brown leather strapped sandals. He had been treading the path to the massive city for a week now. Traversing many traps through perilous cities, he sauntered slowly, admiring the sky above. The air was cool and crisp, often letting a faint breeze drift through, refreshing a travelers spirit with life. The abundant quantity of vibrant, colored flora, swayed to and fro, as a gentle push by nature was administered in dazzling harmony outside the city walls lining.

The man slowly trotted along the grassy path, which many would call the 'a vine patch. Moisture of the morning dew, seeped through the pores of his unsoiled skin, condensing on certain exposed parts of his lithe frame. Tightly gripped, in his right hand, was a mask, a blue sash, and the legendary blade known as the Zanpaktou. The sword resembled that of a regular mundane katana, and was specially designed to combat Hollows and other-worldly beings that tipped the balance or threaten existence itself. But not today, this blade would be used in service, to slay the Goteis enemies on the barren battle field.

The sword was composed of three noticeable components; the hilt, the base, and the blade itself. Overall, the katana was barren, plain, devoid of any spirit, or the connectivity between the warriors. Yet, something filled the air with profound heaviness, as the mystifying entity sauntered toward the gate, to the colossal city, Atlas.

The man had done his study on the city. He comprehended the who, what, and whys' of this citys vast record. At first sight though, one only beheld the magnitude of exquisiteness the city was doused in. But as an individual continued further along its path of decay, they would unearth the horror that this metropolis kept in concealment. Looks dont always appear as they should seem, was the best phrase to fit this creation of pure corruption. The accumulation of corpse set a sinister tone in the midst of the city gate, showing some kind of failure. This would usually drive warriors and travelers alike, but it seemed to lay no effect on Byakurai. Where most would lose their sanity or even their being, he kept his aligned, intact, and being firm always ready for experiences life threw at him. He seen a lot in his day, and this did not move even the slightest of all human sensations. He had left his emotions on the day he saw they massacre of his comrades, death of his family, and even his own brutal demise. The man was cursed soul, destined for eternity to ravage the battle terrain with the blood of humans, an apparition of death.

There was a foggy dust mass that drifted throughout the air lower to the ground. It was like some sort of radiation that had lost its sting becoming nothing more then a gray guise for the city.

The mans eyes slanted downward, veins popped out of his head as muscles flexed then contracted, and the glow of his aura transformed into something more complex. The iris, located in the middle of ones eye, split into 4 quadrants. The man clenched his teeth firmly, descending lower to the ground, his legs seemed to have vanished or couple together. The tremendous speed of the wind, ripped through the city like a drill with profound ire. The debris soared throughout the air, grazing anything in its path. His hair swayed to and fro, as did his long robe through the violent swirls of the gusts.

The man's face was without masquerade or disguise, for all to behold. Bony cheeks, with skin tightly pulled over every muscle fiber, and small traces of a once existing beard. He was an upright being of the sort. His persona was twisted like a pretzel, which gave him a cold expression that he could not warm with a smile. Mostly sincere, he slaughtered multitudes for one profit, his own personal gain and benefit. His joy, sadness, and even anger was gone, all that was left was a potent shell. The town really a split image of his soul, crumbling and desolate.

Ahh good day for a war. Dont you think?,he said with a new sinister tone creeping, while lagging his eyes downward towards his mystifying blade. Byakurai had lost his sanity awhile back, but has enough intelligence to keep his unstable attitude calm. Byakurai liked to always have a conversation with his inanimate sword before a battle. To him, it was his only friend, partner, or maybe even closer, his brother. There was a small sign above his head that was engraved with the letters: Museum of natural History. He was tempted to go inside, to soak up all the knowledge like a dry sponge, but a cautionary feeling held his strong drive back. Even though it was a perfect place for an ambush, it could be rusty trip-wire bombs that would write his final chapters to life. It was a risk his was willing to take, but at another visit.At the time, his focus was on the battle ahead and how to get to the steel mill, Gotei HQ.This would be the day of epic proportions, he fully was aware of the destructive capacity the enemy held, and yet he stood there carelessly walking. The warrior sauntered in a large hollow in a buildings side, and sat next to a musky corpse.How you doing? He st his gaze directly at the eyes sockets. Positioning his hands on his knees for support, his head back against the wall, and the sword crossed his shoulder.

The corpse was missing many important facial features, it appeared to be a creature of another species. The miniature maw hung out open unveiling a set of fried teeth, its hands were outstretched in the air in the form of defense, and their in its side were a open view of tentacles. Damn the government really messed you up. Huh?,he said softly while poking the sheaths end in its eye openings. Then with a sudden movement of speed. He kicked the head with a tremendous amount of force; shattering the fragile cranium. Now the copse was headless. This made it an even nastier and viler sight to see.I warned you not to look at me like that.The warrior sat there in utter silence inspecting, waiting, and mediating on his contemplations that roused his mind. Now the only thing to do was recollect thoughts, and wait for the presence of malevolence to arise. Then, and only then he would know it was time for a war.

‘Kill, Kill, KILL! I want it to rain blood, flesh twisted and bone broken, I want to make beautiful art with there shredded organs! EHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!’ the voice was deep and gravely and its insane laughter echoed within my head, it was anxious more anxious than I can ever remember, just the idea that there were humans out there made it go even more insane, after all this was my “dark passenger” a twisted remnant of my life as a human.

I opened my eyes to an unfamiliar site, dozens of faceless soul reaper officers were running about following the commander generals orders, but this was of no concern to me, all I cared about was satisfying my dark passengers desirer to hurt humans and I would fight the humans both to abide by the commanders orders and to quiet that damned voice but I would not take a human life, because that would make me no better than the humans that killed me so many years ago.

After watching random soul reapers prepare for the war I finally moved from under the wall that I was resting on, I brushed the dirt of the back of my captains uniform and picked up my two swords from the floor. The first sword was a British claymore with a twisted hilt, the blade spewed forth from the open mouth of a dragons head and the hand guard was the dragons open wings sprouting from its neck, and the second sword was a Japanese katana, the sheathe was azure blue, the hand guard was shaped like a rain drop and the hilt was wrapped in azure cloth.

Alastor, the claymore, was slung over my right shoulder and Suima, the katana, was held in my left hand “well I guess this is it, time to head on out.” I had no idea which direction I headed for, all I knew was that I would eventually find my destination.

At this moment in time, a shinigami by the name of Rishou Tsukamoto was making his way towards the mill. What a crappy place they picked to be an HQ...I honestly thought our superiors might have some form of standards...awell...it is not really my concern...As long as we win this war, I'm good... Things were definitelyheating up, and the young shinigami was unsure he could handle the oncoming war.

His skill was about as sharp as his Zanpakuto in his unsealed form. On either side of his waist, his Zanpakuto was attached neatly. His zanpakuto was called Rouraku Kagami, also known as the mirror enticer. In it's current state, it took the form of two bokken, two average length wooden swords which moved only slightly with his jogging motion.

His attire was very non descript. He was dressed in only the standard shinigami uniform, never having given much thought to his wardrobe. After all, what did it matter what one chose to wear, so long as they got the job done, right? Well, that was Rishou's philosophy.

"What am I fighting for anyway?" The man was, as of now, an incompetent rookie. The truth was, he did not know the location of his opponents Headquarters, even if he had wanted to attack it. He didn't even know his enemies face or name. All he knew was to follow the lead off his superiors, and he might just survive this war.

He did not know the names of most of his comrades. He did know anything, and he was fairly sure he;d only hold the rest of the gotei back. This boy didn't even know what division he was in. These vultures...his own fellow Gotei, would eat him alive if they even had a clue to his incompetence...to his novice skill level. How the hell this man ended up on the Gotei would be beyond...well, mostly everyone. The Gotei was in a sad shape when members would turn on members for the simplest mistakes.

Rishou would bring his strong arms down, gripping each bokken's handle in each hand. His left arm crossed over to grip at his right hand sword. His left would make a grab for the right. And in one fluid motion as fast as lightning itself, he slashed the two bokken in front of him, holding one in front of him and one to his left side slightly, making sure not to hit any fellow shinigami. He was not that far near or on the battlefield.

"Nezame, mamshinashi okori matawa shuuryou!!" He would recite, and then he would sling his bokken around so that one was thrust in front of him, and that one was facing in front of him. As his arms stopped their slinging motion, the wooden blades of the bokken seemed to detach, and they would slide upwards rapidly with the force of his fluid movements. However, as the oaken blades shot upwards, a metal razor sharp blade was revealed under the shaft of the bokken.

And, just as one thought the bokken shafts might be thrown off to reveal the tip of each sword, a flash of red would take place, and now his swords lengths would be doubled. In each hand was a Japanese longsword, the handle guards a winding serpent with the blades protruding from their agape jaws.

It was time to roll some heads. But Rishou wanted to at least get some edge on his opponents, to have somewhere he could ambush his opponent from. His eyes would slide to his left, then to his right, taking in his surroundings. And he took off...he was running as fast he could, sharp blades dragging along the ground behind him, arms seeming to lag behind as he let them do so, before he sprang off of the ground, landing atop the roof of a building which he would have visited in this cities prime. He had landed on the roof of the library, and he would sit down, crouching moreso, as he swallowed thickly. His first battle...and already he was moreso worried about what his own comrades might say to him than what his enemies might do.

Everything is so…quiet. It’s a peaceful silence that can send shivers down anyone’s spine once they realize the awful tranquility. Not only is there the eerie feeling, but also the gray and dead appearance everything has. Once a beautiful city, now a demolished mess, Atlas could put any haunted house to shame with a mere glance. That was only if one was so bold enough to even peek over the cement wall that barricades the city from the rest of the world. Some might think that the wall does good now. Inside, the whole city, is a scene that makes one wonder what had ever happened. Sadly, that’s a story few know and fewer want to speak of. With the city barely keeping itself together, having been brought down by past horrors and time, Atlas is now home to both non-living and living beings brought together for a war that could leave the unfortunate place in even more ruins. It was all unnerving; both the thought and the silence.

‘Neh, what a gloomy place. Not somethin’ I really like, but-’

A sigh escaped the brunette’s lips as kept her eyes closed. So much for the cool silence and dwelling thoughts. ‘What is it, Siete?’ The tired question came out inside her mind rather than out through her mouth for all the hear. Rema C. wasn’t at all in the mood to deal with her Voices’ antics right now.

‘Oh, now Imma ‘Voice’? I’ve been dropped down from ‘Personality’ to ‘Voice’? That’s awful disrespect-’

'What do you want?’ If she had actually said it aloud, it would’ve been heard more like a hiss with each word being spit out separately and with much distain. No, the shinigami woman was not at all in the mood for her ‘Personalities’ antics.

‘That’s better. I was just tryin’ to lighten th’ terrible atmosphere ya put on us! If ya came to look, you would see your mind is all gloomy and depressin’.’ There was actually a hint of concern mixed in with the irritation.

‘…Sorry. I just don’t feel so well, I guess. Must be this awful scenery. Yea, bet that’s it.’ Rema thought back. The tone she was taking seemed as if she was trying to convince herself more than Siete.

‘Hmm…Well, this place does look like a good battlefield for ya’ll unearthly beings. Dark. Scary. Decomposin’. Ruined lives. Perfect match for a war!’ It was hard to tell whether or not she was being serious in the attempt to cheer Rema up, or if she was doing it for her own kicks and giggles.

‘The morbid humor doesn’t help. Especially with this.’ Brown eyes opened slightly, as if in a daze, as her head tilted back to stare at the cracking and old ceiling. Rema suddenly remembered where she was exactly.

The old Steel Mill that was still holding up had now been claimed has Gotei 13 Head Quarters. Some to all shinigami that were starting there would eventually branch out around the city to start along for the war. Of course that included her as well, but at the moment she was just sitting there, on a crookedly old bench against the wall, staring up in a daze. The gray wall was cool against her back, as was the seat on her legs and bottom. Even through her jeans, black shirt, and Division 7 Captain’s jacket, Rema could feel it seeping in to her skin. It was refreshingly cold and relaxing on a disturbing level that told her it shouldn’t feel that way. When she turned her head slightly to either side, feeling the hard cement wall against her scalp, her sight could barely make out the figures of fellow shinigami that hustled and bustled or just relaxed like she was doing. The same went for when she glanced in front of her, only the wall that mirrored the one she was sitting against didn’t have anyone to occupy it. Another sigh escaped her. Yep, it was all pretty depressing in her point of view.

‘When are ya gonna stop mopin’? There’s a war that’s gonna start and we can’t have ya bein’ all emo right before then!’ Siete’s voice was still laced with the same two tones, though impatience sewed its way in.

‘A fight will cheer me up. Yea, even if in this gloomy place. Hn, I wonder how long I’ll have to wait. Oh, yea, I guess I have to figure out where I’ll be. Can’t stay in this ol’ mill the entire time, but something close by should do. Yea, it’s gotta be a good area for me, too. Something that’ll help if I get into a fight there. Hmm, I guess I’ll check the map before moving out…’ Her thoughts continued on as such, ignoring any comments Siete made.

‘Grrr. HEY!' Siete did not like being ignored. 'Miss, I swear if ya don’t stop this drabblin’ I’ll-’

‘Leave Mistress alone, Siete. I mellowed her out so things should be calm for now.’ A second voice made its appearance right beside the first. Its demeanor seemed more civilized.

‘Dicie.’ Siete announced the other’s name as if it were poison to her lips and tongue. ‘I should’ve known you were behind Miss’s sudden apathetic mood swing. You’ve been developing along maturely since ya were created. Gotten more cool and stoic, though. Seems like ya have control over that part of Miss as well as her organs.’ She spoke of his growing and powers with a sneer.

‘Well, considering the parts you control and all that you do to rile Mistress up, I make things rather balanced.’ He replied calmly, not at all fazed by his sibling’s oh-so-familiar attitude towards him. In fact, he often found her hot-headedness amusing…when it didn’t rub off on him or harmed Mistress in any way, of course.

‘Can two shut up?’ A much stronger voice silenced them both. It seems Rema was done being apathetic and dazed. She pinched the bridge of her nose as if the two were causing a migraine.

‘She started it.’ Mumbled Dicie. Despite having matured a bit he still held some childish traits.

‘Oh, don’t you blame me!’ Siete retorted quickly.

‘SHUT UP! Egads, it’s hard thinking with you two bickering!’ Yep, she was being herself again, if not some frustration added in.

‘Well, you don’t think much anyway, Miss, so it doesn’t matter.’ Everyone was so snippy.

Before Rema could even snap back Dicie calmed her down some, ‘Is there something the matter, Mistress?’

‘No, nothing important. Just keep quiet, both of you, until you’re needed later.’ She commanded resignedly. The same feeling from earlier seeping in, though fortunately no melancholia was with it. Just a tired sense of anxiousness, from waiting and sitting around in a bleak Steel Mill, was left in her as the two Personalities went dormant.

When her mind was silent fingerless-gloved hands unconsciously trickled up and down her weapons. An electric blue guitar snuggled comfortably on her lap, all polished and gleaming with the black name ‘Kayko’ printed at the butt of it. Her zanpakuto was strapped to her waist, concealed underneath her white negligee from the dampness of the Steel Mill. It also was dormant until the time of need came in battle. As for her ebony bass, it sat against her right leg with the red number ’7’ also at the butt. Rema knew she would need them all later on in the war, but couldn’t help fidget with them to make sure they were prepared. Just because the sight of Atlas was ghastly, the smell that of Death, the feeling of it terribly cold, and the indirect taste of ash being apparent, it didn’t mean eerie silence or the cries of the dead had to be there. No, Rema would make sure beautiful sounds of victory would be heard throughout the whole ordeal. A third sigh was exhaled, but this time it was accompanied by a small wicked smirk.

You called for me Sir ? A cloud of copper rust showered out of the gutted machinery behind Hitsugaya. Out of a mangled pipe, wreathed in metal and covered in soot, stepped the 12th Division Taichou, Toshisou Shuichiro. The cloud of rust gently floated downwards, creating an orange and gray carpet about the Captains feet. He stood straight as a bar of steel, his head thrown back, shaking his white mane free of rusty chips. His calm expression faded slightly into a frown as he looked down upon his muddied and soiled appearance.

Excuse me one moment Sir. Toshisou turned away, kneeling down upon his haunches. He moved quickly, slight fingers racking over his muddied white robes and through his pale hair, dislodging the particles of dust and grime. He pinched the creases of his robes between delicate fingertips, squeezing the edges gently until they were crisp and tight. He moved quickly and precisely, grooming and tidying himself up. In a matter of seconds the pale figure rose to his feet once again, turning back to face his commander. His robes were pearly white once more, the rust and dirt brushed and picked away. His bone white hair was straightened and swept back across his brow, exposing his icy blue eyes.

The older man swept his thin frame down and gave the boy a deep bow.

I am sorry Sir, but I could not help overhearing you call me  He rose from his bow, straightening till he stood like an iron bar. He pointed to the boys earpiece before gesturing to his own. It is my duty to always keep an ear and eye open, so you must excuse my ease dropping. He pursed his lips, stretching his drawn face into a smile. The effect was not a friendly gesture, but more of a forced sly grin, wooden and empty.

And concerning the detritus of this factory  He reached into the folds of his white robes, withdrawing from its depths an oiled rag. He wrung his hands silently for a moment, cleaning the grease from his snow-white palms. They shall be picked up quickly and disposed of. I was just scouring out a few pipes which we shall be using to transport the metal down into the forge basement.

From the shattered pipe two forms crashed down, slipping out of the gapping hole and stretching lethargically on the steel catwalk, shaking the rust shavings off. The two forms were not of the shape that Shinigami usually possess; their great bodies were hunched forward, their backs bent downwards, long arms swinging free back and forth. They looked like great apes, hulking and deformed. They were the Gashi, the hell beings of the Twelfth Division. They were skeletal Gigais, infused with souls twisted with gluttony and lust. They were skeletal beasts, their bones shining pearly white. Chains as dark as night wound through their bones, all connected by a single spinning gear. These were the two of the first Gashi, kept by the Taichou of the Twelfth Division as pets and bodyguards.

They lumbered silently behind their master, shaking their grotesque heads back and forth, opening and closing their teeth filled mouths. Toshisou paid them no mind, and simply turned back towards the man, a curt smile still plastered upon his face.

May I help you further Sir? The beasts let out two inhuman growls, throwing their mouths open, exposing their poisonous gullets.

Kiari Berlitz, captain of the Gotei 13’s third division, made her way to the old abandoned steel mill to prepare for the battles lying ahead. She had kept her nearly waist length black hair in a tight bun; and with each step that she took, the few fallen raven colored ringlets bounced along with her. Berlitz—referred to as “ojousama” by some due to her social status and proper upbringing—was dressed in a soul reaper’s black garb with a blush pink colored undergarment. Over the robes she sported a long white robe with her company’s insignia on the back.

Her electric blue eyes darted around; she was just a bit anxious about what was to come. Kiari’s nerves also seemed to be mixed with her excitement. Thoughts like ‘Will my handicap be an impediment? How will this turn out? I can stand my own this time…’ ran through Berlitz’s head.

There was also the fear she had nagging in the back of her head ever since she had received a troubling injury in a previous fight. Kiari’s right arm had been severed from just under her shoulder during a lost conflict in a past war. Circumstances were quite unfortunate back then; having just recently been promoted to a captain level at the time and being pitted against a fierce opponent. To this day Captain Berlitz was troubled by the fact that due to the blood loss and damages taken (and maybe even the slight hesitance she had shown), she was forced to retreat.

At the thought of the events of that dreadful day, the young lady sighed and gripped at the hilt of her zanpakuto worn in between her legs on a pink sash with her left hand. Its hilt was wrapped in whit, and three golden leaves protruded from where the cross guard would be. Her sword, Ashisgoi-Jizou, had been her saving grace, allowing her to slip away in the form of a slimy substance for what can last up to a couple of days when stabbed with the blade. However, she was rendered both unable to attack and unable to be attacked.

“I wonder if the Tsukomoto boy will be all right…” The captain diverted her attention to that of her subordinate. He seemed lost in the masses of fellow soul reapers. “Hmm, he’ll be okay. He looks fine.”

The lady captain looked at the map of Atlas city, then called over her vice captain. “I’m going to set up an outpost around here,” Kiari paused and pointed at Syke’s Manor. “Somewhere around the overgrown forests; possibly in the manor itself.” Kiari smiled softly and faced her comrades. “I wish you all the best of luck.” Berlitz then departed the old mill and darted to the dense green woodlands of the mayor’s mansion.

The city remined silent, but for how long will this silence stay put? When will the war erupt? What will happen to the undead and living who are forced to remind behind the walls of the city and fight? Won't this war cause even more unthinkable damage to the city? Infact, wouldn't it cause the city to just fall down in tiny hell like pieces? Because frrankly, looking at the city now, you would think that they would have the war in a more suited area, not in some nearly destroyed land!

All of these thoughts rushed through Cali's head, She couldn't stop thinking about this war, the city and the people who have to fight in it. "Surely they could have sent some people with me, I'm not ready for war yet!"Cali opened her eyes, looked around at the other shinigami who were stuck in the war like herself, She turned her attention to the floor again, thinking of why someone like herself was sent to war..

Tears swelled up into her clear blue eyes, but quickly wiped them away, "I need to get ahold of myself, this is a war for god's sake, not some sad movie and plus I'm a darn captain! i can't let all the other captains see me crying", Cali turned her gaze again to all the shinigami who have gathered into the old mill, "Well at least I'm not entirely alone, but soon enough i will be and that is when i vengure off into the war torn city", Letting out a deep sigh, She looked up at the crumbling ceiling and thought how such an old tattered building like this, could make a good Head Quarters for the Gotei 13.

Moments past and Cali was still sitting on the floor in the old mill, now she was just waiting for a signal for when she could go out into the city, Her back leaning against the cold, hard wall as she waited patiently with her hands just touching the cold floor-boards, she could feel small rodents running underneath them, which made her giggle knowing that there were at least some animals still about, She enjoyed being in the presents of animals, it was like back in her own Office. The thought of her animals back at the office helped Cali feel slightly better and lifted her gloomy face to a somewhat more calmed, mellow look.

In a split moment of time, Cali began to look through her small bag, which carried her own little food supply and water. "Hmm, i hate having to ration my food" she hissed to herself, But soon finished going through her bag, so that she could check up on her weapon, Making sure that it was up to stratch before the war, Otherwise she would put herself into great danger if her weaponary decided to break during a fierced battle. She cluthed onto her weapon's handle tightly, her Zanpakutou, which was named Gijouhei, Cali adored it, She would never let the blade be out of her sight for more than a second.

She looked at the blade very closely, examining it at every angle possible, making sure it had no scratchs or wasn't missing any pieces off the blade. "Looks perfectly fine", She smiled at the result of her blade and rested it gently on the floor next to her left thigh, tapping at the handle of blade from time to time.

Clenching her fist together, Cali finally gathered enough courage to fight in the war, "Now I'm ready to kick butt" She shouted very loudly, making the other Shinigami look over to her. "Sorry, I got a little carried away in my own thoughts" She blushed at the other's and looked down at her blade with a great smirk.

Sarugaki Hiyori twisted her head around listening to the swift movement of feet and the cried out orders of other division members from inside and outside of the old steel mill. She herself was a little sceptical about walking into the dilapidated steel mill, who knows, maybe a rat could make this junk heap fall down. She decided to keep herself away from the walls, just in case.

She had remembered her previous war, her smile contorted into something vicious, she truly hoped that this would end the same way. Something blowing up was the key to everything! The visard grasped the hilt of her sword, rubbing her thumb against it as a reminder and a re-assurer. She would never leave, without Furea Sei by her side. Not since what happened so many odd years ago. Never would it happen again, it could mean the end of her, without someone by her side. Hiyori would never leave it now that she herself had members in her division, the tenth division.

Suddenly the blonde got to her feet, swinging Furea Sei up for some more support. She brushed the soiled spot on her clothes, hoping some how that the stain would come out.

"Stupid steel mill, getting me all dirty." She kicked her sandaled foot up at a shinigami walking past her. His face contorted to fear.

"What the hell're you looking at?" Hiyori shouted it out at the lowly shinigami, he scrambled off into a corner while others silently spoke of her. She blew out her breathe in a sigh, who knew someone so small could be so scary. Well, now that she thought of it, Taicho-chan was pretty scary himself. He barked out orders like he was Hachi's size or something. But then again, so did she.

"Next time, I'm picking the place. Somewhere not so horrendous. I hope you heard that Hitsugaya Taicho~" She made a half yell in a cutesy voice, hoping the mini captain would hear her. Not like she should talk about mini, she looked herself over in some disgust. "You guys heard that right, ne? Tell him if he didn't hear already!" This time her yell wasn't so cute, the other shinigami in the room just yelled yes as she walked over to the old wooden door. Who would'a thought, wooden door on a steel mill, someone's design was genius.

The pint sized captain pulled out her Zanpakutou from it's sheath. She looked over her sword and ground her teeth. Freaking dirt is on my Furea Sei too. Hiyori thrust her sword into the door, wishing that it would just turn to dust, she hated the place so much. When the door didn't she let out a small cry slashing the door into splinters.

"This is where the fun starts." She grinned as she onlooked the river in front of her.

Eighth Division Captain Koysta Martyr walked calmly through a black cavity that was torn between space and time. Called upon by the Reiishi particles in which his bloodline used. This was his Garganta ability. He being one of the only Arrancar in the Gotei 13 was somewhat sad to a point yet he never let it get to him for he could unlike many others of his kind still laugh and love. Heartless yes but not emotionless for it was his hatred in his heart and sorrow that made him into a hollow in the first place.

Now from the time of peace and tranquility that he had longed for to last yet ever end at the same time, he was traveling to the headquarters in the deserted city of Atlas. Once a beautiful city full of everything you could imagine at a time. Now war torn and deserted by all living inhabitants was the battle grounds for the war. A simple sigh left his being as he continued to walk through the passageway that would lead him to the steel mill where his fellow captains and squad mates awaited. He himself knew that he would possibly meet old friends in this war and new enemies as he always did.

Why we have to re-disturb the dead once more is beyond me but I know it must be done. I apologize beforehand my olden comrades. I will not fail you here. I will show you that your sacrifice was worth it in the end. He spoke with a sad tone in his voice as he readjusted the chains that were over his shoulders. The faint clinking noises they made as he walked filled his ears and eyes of memories that long have past in the time of which he was human. Each chain link clanging resonated like the casings of the ammunition from the automatic weapons of World War II. Flashes of the deaths he witnessed on both sides made him close his eyes and take a deep breath to clear the thoughts from his mind.

Each pair of chains held on tight to a steel coffin each. Carrying two chains in each hand symbolized that he was transporting more than one. From another persons perspective these coffins looked light but his heritage gave him that ability to make them look light. Stronger than most shinigami and powers completely different from them was not the only set point of how he was unique to them. Many physical differences were visible and he had no fear on showing them.

Proud of what he is but not completely proud of his actions beforehand, he stood at six foot three inches. Broad shoulders and a toned upper torso which remained visible by his jacket never being buttoned up for he never really cared much about it. Blood red eyes and blue slits for pupils only contributed to his unique form. His hair remained at medium length and always out of his eyes was the deepest shade of black like his uniform. His hollow hole in his stomach was not large or small, but in the range of both. Giving it that most symmetrical form you could ever see.

Though in this dark cavity you could not see his uniform it remained to be all in all to most, unique. Vermilion hems up and down the jacket, pants, and boots. Each piece of this uniform meant something special to him for it was the same one that was worn constantly. Never replacing it with new ones or fixing them in anyway. Leaving tears and scuff marks where it had been worn down for years and during the scuff of war and battle. Every tear and scar left behind was a memory that was to be cherished no matter whether or not it was a pleasant one or malicious one.

Nearing the end of his travel to the Atlas steel mill he realized that a single tear had left each of his eyes and a feeling of warmth overcame his body. He knew why this had happened but at the same time he had no clue why it had. It was the first time since he was human that he had shed a tear. Artificial light began to creep its way through the Garganta and he slipped a small smile on his face as the tears fell from the fangs of his mask remnants to the floor. On the other end of the portal the tear made itself visible and Captain Koysta Martyr walked through it into the steel mill where preparations for the battle had already begun.

Slowly the Garganta disappeared and left no traces behind. Dropping the caskets from his back to the floor with a loud banging noise he took a deep breath and stretched his arms and back out allowing them the crack in the process. As soon as he was relieved, Koysta removed his jacket and set it over the steel caskets revealing deep scars and gashes from many fights and wars. Too proud to let the fourth division heal them and make them go away. He simply let them stay and remind him of his time and mistakes. Making him a better fighter and person in whole since those were acquired.

He reached into his left pocket and pulled out his personalized B-4 Combat Aid that Ivan had made to his specifications. Placing it over the place where the human heart would be located he strapped it over his body so it was perfectly stationed. Once he was done he nodded down at his jacket and decided to leave it there with his Division symbol facing up for his Vice Captain to locate where they were to meet up before being dispatched. He picked up the sword that was on his back before he took his jacket off and replaced it back onto his back.

Tenka, check, now he spoke to himself as he looked down to his sides locating his Zanpakutous Zanpakutous, check, and the B-4 combat aid, check. With his equipment check complete all he needed to do was wait for orders from the 1st Division Captain and Leader of the Gotei Hitsu and wait for the arrival of his Vice Captain and 3rd Seat officer Anjiru. But he figured since that was going to have to wait till it happens he looked around and located the fellow members and Captains of the Gotei. He was relieved to know that at least he was not the only one waiting for orders and such to begin.

Fwoop. Fwoop. Fwoop. From the broken windows of the Steel Mill enter three Special Operative Shinigami. Two of them cloaked in ninja-esque Shinigami uniforms, each carrying a normal Katana shaped Zanpakuto. Their faces concealed by silk face masks as black as the coals in the old forges. By appearance the two clearly served under the third Shinigami, who epitomized his rank with his elegant presentation and unique clothing. Long black hair falling straight on either side of his face, and an even longer ponytail at the back. Like his subordinates, the bottom half of his face was covered in a silk face mask, however, he stood alone in the unique color of the mask; crimson. His uniform was sleeveless, exposing his intricate tattoos on each arm - Chinese Dragons: One silver and white; its counterpart, black and purple. His neck encased by a silver choker, the front holding a green stone on a silver ring. His Zanpakuto took not the shape of a traditional Katana, but instead it was a Tanto resting gently across his back. On the sheath was a golden engraving of a rose, the stem circling beautifully around to the tip.

"Hitsugaya-Sotaichou, I have returned from my duties in the human world. I have left members of my team dispatched among the humans in case of any further attacks by the Hollow. Though the number of attacks have been decreasing as of late, I fear the strength of the Hollow is rising. As 3rd Seat of the 1st Division I offer you my blade for the duration of this battle; however, my presence may be required back in the human world." The young Shinigami paused and caught his breath, moving the hair from his eyes before continuing. "My men and I, Soseki Ryozo, will strike from the shadows and dispose of your enemies."

The three took a bow and left the mill, taking position on the rooftop. Staring above into the starry sky, Ryozo's golden eyes were glimmering. The two subordinate Shinigami patiently awaited their orders. "Mazaki," started the leading Shinigami to the subordinate to his left, a shorter man with yellow spiked hair and blue eyes, "You guard to the east. Shimada," He continued directing the other Shinigami, tall with a short brown pony-tail and green eyes, "The west. I want you both to alert everyone if you spot enemy soldiers before engaging. Use the Hell Butterflies and alert all ranked officers. Now go."

In obedience to their team leader, Mazaki and Shimada each took their posts. They were trained operatives, using the shadows to hide their presence and strike from the opportune angle. Assassins of the Gotei 13. They were Ryozo's top two men in the Human World, each able to destroy a hollow without ever being seen. Quick disposal of their enemy was the reason they were sent to the Human world in the first place, and their leader was the same. Though their specialties were with Hollow, none of them had ever faced an opponent with Human form. It would prove to be a test of their will and strength with this sudden change of pace. However, their duty is to the Sotaichou, and they would honor their position however they must.

"The silence of Atlas disturbs me greatly. I do not yet sense the presence of any enemies; however, that only troubles me more. I hope Hitsugaya knows what he has gotten us into. He has experience with wars but many of us have not yet seen battle like this."

Ryozo stood on the rooftop, right hand behind his back grasping the handle of his dagger. His long black hair swayed gently with a breeze, the bangs at the side of his face covered his golden eyes. His tattoos were lit in opposition to their colors. Light shining on the Black Dragon and shadows covering the White. He looked North of the Headquarters, gazing carefully into the ruined city; trying to spot any enemies in the area. Patience was never his strong point and he was needed back in the Human World as soon as possible. That of course was only if he survived this battle.

Sensing that his friends has reached suitable vantage points and concealed their Reiatsu, Soseki confidently sped away from the safety of the headquarters and into the midst of the battlegrounds. His subordinates would ensure that an attack from the West or East would not go unnoticed by any of the squads. Utilizing the shattered terrain as best he could, the 3rd Seat Officer would turn what looked like nothing into a perch from which to strike, as an eagle snatching its prey.

This post has been edited by A Free Bird on 2008-07-15, 02:31 AM

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Gotei 13 ProfileName: Soseki RyozoRank: 3rd Seat, 1st Division

Zanpakuto: Ibara (Wild Rose)Owner: Soseki RyozoCommand Phrase: Miwomamaru. (Defend Oneself)Ability: Upon releasing the Shikai, Ibara becomes a pair of red sai. As sai are blunt, defensive weapons, the Ibara in this state would not normally be a weapon of death. However, the blades of the twin sais are constantly flowing with a lightning-like reiatsu which gives the blunt weapons the ability to cut like a sword. The reiatsu's speed is immense, and can be amplified to create a larger and deadlier "blade". A second ability of the reiatsu that covers Ibara is to disperse either through air or onto objects such as an enemy weapon. Thus, a simple block with the blade of the sai becomes an offensive opportunity in the same instant.

"I always knew that it wouldn't be long before I would have to return."

Atlas, a city of greatness and prosperity once known, now sat in ruin, and brought back strong memories of life to the Fourth Division Capitan. With feet like a violinist's strings , he sprinted down the rotten pavement forwarding to the supposed headquarters of the Gotei for the accursed war. In quite the hurry, he knew it wouldn't be best that the doctor show up last. The only doctor.

Passing a few watchtowers, he knew that it would only be minutes before great responsibility took over the Capitan. As a slight gust of wind erupted from east of the mill, it was now possible to catch a slight more to the attire of the medic. Practically a stick painted white, his lanky appearance made the Capitan's robe he wore seem rather short hitting barely his kneecaps, adding the many bags he carried medical equipment in, made him quite pale with all the running he was doing.

Not bothering to even take time to use the monstrous wooden door that signaled the entrance of the mill, Chosen quickly dived through a somewhat window like opening. Impossible for any average sized man to just hop on through, but he smirked at being flexible enough to do many things they cannot anyway. Within the mill, he slowed his sprint to a smooth jog, dodging and dipping through and around the many various rusted pipes.

"Not exactly the cleanest place..." mumbled the capitan as he made his way into the main corridor, where majority of the Soul Reapers stood and hustled around in a frantic way, rather to be found doing something than nothing. Happy that nobody had exactly pointed out his arrival yet, the medic scanned around the room with haste through his small glasses. He soon stuck his eyes onto a few turned over and badly burnt boxes. "It'll have to do." spoke the dark haired to himself as he slid across the floor to the area. Throwing down most of the bags he lugged on his belt into one of the boxes, he slipped out a First Aid patch and some plastic medical gloves. Pulling the gloves onto each of his hands tightly he slapped the First Aid patch onto his right arm, as if to signal that any medical help should be taken to him first and not just anybody. The doctor soon became just one of the many in the mill as he unpacked the various medical things he had, ready for use at any time.

"If it is war that must be waged, then let's hope that the doctor knows what he's doing." thought Chosen as he chuckled to himself, and went on unpacking his gear, ready for orders at any moment.

"Sir." in a flash of dark, black cloth that seemed to flow and move evenly, a figure of a young man, his head bowed and body kneeling, appeared beside the Arrancar captain of the 8th division. The man's hair hair seemed to hang for a moment until it's length and weight brought it down over the man's face. The streak of black was the more than common shinigami outfit. It's plain white and black lines perfectly preserved, looking even more pristine against the Captain's outfit. This particular outfit, however, seemed to be quite over sized, several times bigger than normal, it's large fabric draping over the man's thin, yet strong frame. The young man's dark skin seemed to give his clothes a strange look, but for the most part, the man was normal. Marked on the man's skin in varying patterns were white tattoos, all of them faded with the rough looking skin of a worker, but never-the-less still quite stark looking. The young man's hair hung over his face, slightly obscuring it, but for the most part, two large emerald-colored eyes shone brightly looking up at the Captain.

This man, wearing the Vice-Captain insignia of the 8th division, had several green colored slings hanging from his shoulders, each one filled with strange metallic syringes or small white orbs or even funny looking bandages. Any way a person looked at it, this young man seemed to be moving a large amount of equipment with him, looking more like a packhorse than a warrior. Hanging just below the man's robes, the sun caught small pieces of metal in it's light, shining and glittering. The same combat aid utility pack that the captain had just strapped to himself appeared to be rounding this man's body from his left shoulder down towards his right hip. The man's tattooed lips spoke slowly, trying to annunciate each word as he began, "Vice-Captain Bui' Tation with s'pplies from da' 12th, sir." Bui's heritage game his this very distinct way of speaking, but trying to show honor to his captain for being a bit late, Bui' continued, "Sir, Cap'n Hitsugaya hos g'vin' us permission to be da' 'moles' as he p't it. Clear'd fo' sewers strike, sir."

With a quick nod of his head, the young man showed not only further respect, but also that though he was a bit late, he was more than ready for the battles ahead.

Irumi followed her Taichou close enough not to accidentally bump into her. The silence was bothering her; though despite the rustling footsteps of other Shinigamis in the room ran in swift motion, everything remained as quiet and desolated in her ears. Wandering her eyes across the hall, Irumis vision couldnt keep up with its surrounding, as she felt a surging tension well up in her gut- nervous? Indeed she was. This was her first her job as a Shinigami, a big one at that. It wasnt so long ago when she was just a struggling student; how fast had time slipped before her, and now she was a Lieutenant, attending a war to protect their ground.

Averting her gaze at the sword handle lying by her side, Irumi looked all the way down and eyed the entire length of the sword. Her very own Zanpakutou; Irumi smiled and held the handle firmly, her heart racing with joy as she felt the swords aura course along her own. Being one with her sword was the most fulfilling event of her existence- and if she were to die now, she would die happy- death?

Kyojakuji! she mentally yelled, biting her lip scolding herself about being a weakling, do not dare speak of death again, yeah, Ill be fine 

Clenching her fists, Irumi furrowed her brows and picked up on her determination, willing herself to mark it on her head that shes to make it out alive and unharmed; a war- an event that would be set in stone in her lifetime. This was definitely gonna be good.

The wind began to blow calmly around the area as the only sounds that could be heard was the crackling of the leaves, slow dripping of the water falling off the broken pieces of debris, and a small scratching noise echoing around the center of area. The sounds remained silent for a mere few minutes as if nothing was meant to happen. The area was wide is space and for some reason despite the debris looked well formed and constructed of all the broken down things which remained in the same places for days on end.

A fallen leaves started to blow in the wind as the force started to pick up suddenly making more violent noise than before. The leaves started to almost dance around the area as one blew by a face, gently brushing against it. Pft! the figure said blowing the leave away from his face as he looked upwards. Kev was sitting upon a rock as he seemed rather calm ignoring what would soon take place all around him. This is going to be so much of a hassle he said as he lifted his arm and brushed his hand past his hair giving a annoyed face. He pushed his hair past his face pulling it towards the back as he looked around. He now was around the steel mill, what appeared to be outskirts.

Kev looked upward as he could see the large buildings and landscape around him as he placed his hands on the rock and started to slouch upwards getting on his feet. Alright, I cant be sitting around here the whole time and not do anything he said eyes closed and hands outwards as if he was talking to himself. He suddenly opened his eyes as he looked around with a confused look. W-Wheres my zanpaktou?! he asked in a rather loud tone as he look at his sheath to see no blade was placed inside. How could I lose it?! he said grabbing his head and slouching backwards as he began to stumble backwards. He suddenly stopped moving as he leaned against something which poked him in the back.

Eh? asked Kev as he turned around to see his blade struck inside of a rotten tree, the trunk ripped and decayed ad there was no leaves upon it, only death and depression. Hm, must have put it there? he said laughing to himself as if he was careless about what was going on. He looked up as he placed his hands around the hilt and he quickly pulled the blade outwards, and in sudden reaction the tree split in half with tree bark breaking off and dropping upon the floor. He now had a serious face upon himself, as he gave the blade one swift wipe, placing it back in the sheath. Now.. he began to say as he looked in the Northern direction. Ive got to be serious about this, starting now. He looked upon the great steel mill as he turned around with his palm on the hilt of his blade.

2nd Divisions 3rd Seat, Kev Toyushima, prepared and ready to go! he said as he now had a focused look upon his face and he jumped upwards upon another more lively tree as he was perched upon it ready to take any necessary action for the battle ahead of him.

Nova sat in a small room, secluded from all the other Gotei members as he finished a last-minute costume design change. He carefully tied off the end of the thread he'd painstakingly used to attach a strap to the interior of each of the sleeves of the closer-fitting garment he wore under his Shinigami garb. His small companion, Curly, looked on with muted interest from his perch on the Shinigami's shoulder. The tall man finally stood up, stretching the kinks out of his back and chasing the numbness from his legs. His small friend crawled down his leg and sat on the floor, watching Nova intently.

"Oiii oi oi, Curly..." he groaned, glancing down at the small creature who merely chirped in reply. "This should help my stealth out some." Nova muttered as he unsheathed his twin butterfly swords and secured them into his newly-added straps. The redhead threw his right arm downwards, dislodging the sword from the interior of his clothing and flinging it towards the floor. He easily caught the hilt as it passed his hand, and he gave a small smile behind his mask. "Well, that works." he thought approvingly.

"Are you quite finished fiddling around with that?" an amused voice asked in the Shinigami's head. "You could be planning what to do in the upcoming war, and instead you sit here and make costume adjustments.

Curly gave a scolding churr as he got to his many feet and began stretching. Nova snorted softly and looked disdainfully down at the small creature, who had started rolling and unrolling himself in order to limber up.

"I hardly think making myself more stealthy is a waste of time, Curlicue." Nova thought back at him. "Besides, you know I've got my battle plan honed down; I've had it in the works for a while now."

Curly unrolled himself for the last time, giving a soft chirp of pleasure as a small bone that had been bugging him in his back popped back into place. He stared up at Nova for a second with black, unblinking eyes, before scurrying up the Shinigami and onto his shoulder, all the while emitting a soft whirring noise that Nova had taken to associating with laughter.

"Maybe you do have the plan finished, friend Nova," chuckled the small figure, "But hadn't you better find him so you can brief him before anything starts?"

"Just what I was about to do, my dear fellow." Nova replied, the paleness of his suddenly bloodless face hidden by the mask.

The Shinigami walked out into the main body of the building, blind to the many soldiers around him as he focused on Kev's unique reiatsu. 2nd Division's 3rd seat was outside the building, but Nova caught himself before he went out looking for the other man.

"I keep forgetting about the communicators 12th Division gave us..." the Lieutenant thought to Curly, who was barely restraining his mirth. "Don't bother to remind me or anything, buddy." Nova snapped, a bit peeved. "Oh, shutup and call already." the succinct Curly chuckled.

Nova talked into the microphone hidden in his garments, trusting that Kev had his unit equipped. "Hey Kev, this is Nova. I'd like to brief you on war plans before all hell breaks loose on the base. So if you wouldn't mind, mosey on back over here to the HQ real quick and we'll get this out of the way." The redhead walked over to and sat upon a pile of debris as he waited for his subordinate's reply.

Standing amidst the confusion of bustling soldiers, Toushirou turned to Ivan and grinned with a toothy smile as he kept his eyes fixed onto the crowd that stood behind him. "Hold that thought Ivan, I think we've had this coming to us for a while now." Toushirou stopped and grabbed the black sleeve of a nearby, yanking on the pitch colored garment's drifting tail like cloth. "Yo, get me a quick box, I need to see above you all." he said as he turned looking at his comrade Leah, glaring a gaze of death in her eyes. "Don't say anything!" he exclaimed from his stance.

The soldier ran into the hoards of men as within seconds he came rushing back with a concrete boulder on a wheeled, metal cart. "This do for you sir?" said the soldier smiling as he drug the mass of stone oer his leader.

"Perfect!" exclaimed the Taichou as he directed the position of the rock with his hands. The soldier stepped back as Toushirou began to ascend onto the very peek of the oversized makeshift roost that had been provided. "Okay everyone listen up!!!" he exclaimed in a clear and loud vocalization. "I SAID LISTEN UP!!!" he screamed again with his hands cupped on both sides of his mouth. The crowd continued to sway in their manners as they all proceeded to ignore the voice from the midst of the bellowing noise of preparations. Finally, Toushirou drew out his hands as he bent his back over the ground looking up with flaring aura beginning to grow rapidly from his presence. It was here that a bellow from deep within his chest also arose from the very deep voice that he had gained over the years from age.

Without warning a violent pressure from the Taichou's vicinity flourished in an enraged force from the ascended leader atop his pedestal. "Would everyone SHUT UP!!!!" A wild blaze of transparent aura burst into the air as its heavy spiritual pressure began to weigh down heavily on the reaper forces below. Still remaining in his position, Hitsu, with his eyes fixed on the crowd who were now bellowing with anguish from having such a wake up call, began to speak with a low voice that rang out in the midst of the silent room.

"Okay! That's better," he said standing back up to a straight posture. "I realize that we've been out of this business for a long time. The art of war is something that we had always prided ourselves in prior to our peacetime lull. But with that in mind, please realize, it's not just something that we do. It's in our blood!" Toushirou hopped down as a path from the crowd cleared. Again he began to speak with his words emanating throughout the atmosphere like a swift wind. "With that in mind, please bear with us as we attempt to get back into the game. Some of us haven't set foot on the field in months, maybe even years!

We might all be out of shape and with our minds still stuck in an everlasting halcyon - need I remind you that this is not why we were made. I was told when I first started, that we were nothing in this lowly world. And as far as that goes, over the last - hell knows how long - I have proven them wrong. We serve our purpose to the point that our ancestry prior to this would not even begin to fathom the things that we have accomplished. Those we fight have even helped us do that just by being there to enrage a conflict, not of the physical sort, but of the mind. I'm talking about the kind of conflict that kicks us in the back and says,'HEY! Show them what you're made of!'"

Toushirou breathed in a deep sigh as he drew in a breath of fresh air. "In every fiber of your being," Hitsugaya said as he pointed around the room. "You are all here for the reason to settle things in the most vagrant, the most hellish way. And what little does that tell us about our capabilities? It tells us nothing. We never won because we had better skills. We never won because we had more people. If we had relied solely on that stuff, we would have been dead a long time ago. I was given a blade and told, 'Son, you can do great things with such a tool. However, when you completely dedicate your life to wielding it, you can never become anything more than what you know - a guard.' Hear me out when I say, whatever it is about combat that you thought had overcome our ill before, just forget about that. The concept of strong doesn't rely on our strength at hand, it's about how much effort we are willing to put into making our opponent's remember, even if we lose, that we Shinigami have left our mark permanently on their person!

We survive because we are able to stick our necks out farther than anyone else - even if it means we get it cut every once in a while! Don't go into this thinking you're going to win. I know the victor is decided by the person who is holding a blade to his opponent's throat at the end of the fight. Some of you might not make it through this. But realize that as long as you put an effort so great in there that it crushes their skull, and they still live while you die, know that by doing that, you are not dying in vain, nor are you losing in the same way. We may all come back from this changed but we should still remain unchanged in our roots. Our way of doing things is to do it so that it gets done, and by this! I mean we should continue, even when... when Leah's legs are cut off! Even when Dragon's eyes are gouged out! Even when blood is oozing from Bui's ears! Keep moving forward and don't you dare give up simply because someone told you to or because someone's got an upper hand! It's always been in my policy to have a stubborn will to live. Do not fear death yet do not call upon it when your going gets tough!!

It is because we are amorphous, they hold that in reverence. Unchanging in the eyes of the public shows our grounds that we're going to stand and fight till the bitter end. And when we fail to do that, our job becomes pointless. Remember that we are death and yet we can become life for the ones who could not have it! This is why we fight!!"

Toushirou lowered his voice as the sweat that had collected atop his forehead from the speech, rolled down the side of his face. It trickled onto the hard ground as Toushirou shook his head, leaning forward towards Ivan with his hand outstretched. "Hey, you sir, are staying with the base for now. We'll be planning some recon work to the Southeast. I've a feeling we may intercept some unwanted visitors before they can reach our perimeter and by that, I would really appreciate it if you would choose however many you need to remain here and protect our honor!"

(I am sorry for this momentary break, but I would like to draw attention to the point that my characters name is not, in fact Ivan. His name is Toshiso Shuichiro. Yet I get the creeping feeling that this name will stick with me for a while, so if you feel that it is less confusing to refer to my character as Ivan, I see no problem with it. I will continue to refer to him by his proper name.)

Toshiso Shuichiro had played the game for far to long. He knew his place in these matters, and he knew never to complain his assigned lot. For why, he would often reason, should he go against the very machine he so cherished? Society had created the totalitarian leader so that things could be done efficiently, and efficiency above all things- was mans ultimate purpose in life. Shuichiro had taken this knowledge to heart, and had built his very life around the ultimate goal of efficiency and control in all things. And if he must remained bowed as he sought this goal, then he would remain on his knees happily.

The spiritual pressure exploded outwards, a current, strong and heavy, that filled the room and brought the whirring like to a screeching halt. It crashed against him, weighing his mind and limbs down. Behind him out of the corner of his eyes he could see his two Gashi falling to the floor, their bleached claws scraping against their skull in sheet agony. Yet the captains face remained blank and impassive, his bone white hair flapping in the invisible breeze. He twisted his body slightly, bracing his feet against the steel floor, letting the pressure wash around him and off him. He waited the storm out, and in a matter of seconds the pressure subsided. It trickled away, leaving nearly a hundred groaning and shuddering Shinigami. Shuichiro rose silently to his feet, his fingers raking through his hair, trying to put it back into some semblance of order. The 12th Taichou stood silently in his leaders shadow, arms folded before him, bony fingers laced together. He listened and absorbed, hanging on every word his leader spoke.

When he finished the Captain stepped forward, smiling his small, empty little smile. Truly powerful words Sir, a speech to boil the blood and enflame the soul. And I am sure the men appreciated the words from their leader. The sallow faced man continued forward. The crowd of Shinigami were still disoriented, milling about, stunned by the words and the spiritual explosion. Would you mind if I wrapped up the last few matters ? From the confines of his robes he withdrew a clipboard, already thick with multi-colored forms and papers. He mounted the railing and, looking down upon the accumulated masses, began to speak:

Good morning ladies and gentle man. He spoke simply, every word perfectly enunciated and carried out in a business like tone. He smiled down upon the men and women with his wide, plastic grin. I shall not say anything that our own leader has not already detailed to us. I shall speak simply and plainly of what I need from you. This mill, this abandoned hulk of steel upon desecrated earth, is our castle and our keep. It is our seat of power, from which we are able to launch attacks in this region. For without it, this war is lost. So I ask you to stand up and show your loyalty and strength to the Gotei 13 Squad and protect it from harm. Any and all interested in remaining here for the garrison must  He withdrew from his sleeve a pocket watch, carved and tempered of polish steel and tuned with the finest tools. It ticked away precisely, counting away the hours, minutes, seconds and milliseconds.  come to the Business offices in the north part of the camp in exactly thirty four minutes, five seconds and thirty six milliseconds. You shall be issued your garrison assignments there.

The Captain gave the collected army a bright smile. It contorted his pale face, making it stretch in such a peculiar way. The pocket watch disappeared into the folds of his robes. We have no other news for you. All going out into the city for the offensive sections of the war may do so at your divisions whim. He tilted his head, giving the soldiers a little nod. Fight well and may you bring honor and victory to the Gotei. At any time you may return here to be re-fitted and healed of any and all wounds and ailments. Thank you.

And without another word, he turned away and slipped away from the banister. He walked over to Hitsugaya, still clutching the clipboard in his thin hands. Sir, so long as I live this head quarters shall not fall. There was something in his eyes as he said that, a certain cold finality to his words. It wasnt a prediction, or a promise. It was a fact, cut from a will as tough as iron. Behind him his Gashi rumbled to their feet and shook their heads, the pain of the spiritual explosion finally subsiding. They gnashed their inhuman teeth, their tusks sparkling in the muddied light of the cracked windows.

Hiyori turned her head the minute she had heard Hitsu's voice bellow above the rest of the bustling crowd. Once he started talking, she sent a death glare his way. She wanted to go out and blow some stuff up. Where was the fun in Hitsu talking. The blonde stuck her tongue out and waited while his long ramble of righteous teary eyeness went on and on.

After the speech was over, she walked over to her short captain, who happened to be a few wee inches taller than her, which made her exceptionally mad. She supposed that he had some right to be taller, he was way older than her anyway. Hiyori's cheeks reddened a little from the thought of height. "So what about my legs getting cut off, Hitsu-chan?" Her flustered cheeks windled down to her malicious grin, with her canine tooth rubbing against her bottom lip. "You're just hoping that I'll get shorter now, so when you get older you're gonna be taller than me." The blonde lifted her zanpakutou, placing it on her back, held on by the wiry thread. She let out a sigh turning her head back towards the door onlooking the river. "We'll see."

The pint sized shinigami tossed her pigtail to the side and began the short awkward walk towards the door. Her tantrums never left the room with a very "soft feel". She was beginning to get used to it, since that's how it was all the time. It seemed that just her presence sucked the life out of the room. But what's a girl to do, their problem not hers.

While she peered out the door she noticed that the sun was directly over the river. It must be in the afternoon. The warm feel seemed very welcomening compared to the heavy air that loomed inside of the old steel mill. Hiyori found herself wandering out into the open because of it. Everything seemed perfect, for now. She knew very well that war was brewing over the pot somewhere else in this town though. She just had no clue where yet. While she walked over the edge of the road and looked back at the steel mill, she felt it coming on. That hoard sneeze that comes from the sun! Too bright! "BAH" Hiyori held her ground while the overwhelming urge came knocking for another sneeze. Happily, without sneezing again, she gazed at her surroundings. There wasn't too much to look at around here, a building off in the distance, that looked like a good place to start.

The building appeared to be pretty far away, across the river anyway. It'd take a good ten minutes at the most to get there, seemed like a great place to snoop around. Her feet skimmed lightly on top of the water as she jumped overhead. The sun's glare reflected off the water motentarily blinded her until she found herself standing in the shadow of the large, ramshackle building. The gates appeared friendly enough with it's words made of brass, it reading "sylum". The A must have fallen off after this place when into disrepair.

The chain link fence loomed a good seven feet above her head. Hiyori grasped the old metal, hoisting her body up towards the top. She fell quickly and gracefully over the other side of the fence like a cat would. The buildings sure looked welcomening, it was some place to hang out, she supposed better than the steel mill, the metal smell their became overwhelming at times. The door to the asylum was slightly ajar, but jammed shut from rain rusting the hinges. She plunged her puny leg at the door, making it fly backwards. The impact left dust flying and Hiyori rubbing her eyes.

Inside of the building, was a room left a mess by who knows what. There could be a bear living in here for all she knew. There were small holes in the ceiling of the building where light passed through, it left the building slightly lit enough for her to see. On the floor of the aslyum were papers scattered and ripped, small blood stains could be seen on the floor randomly. As she started walking in she heard the sound of metal, at her feet were bullet shells, used and new, they were laying every which way, she knew where the holes in the ceiling came from now.

Kev lifted his head high as he started into the sky almost as if he was waiting for something. He kept turning his head as he could sense all the new surges or reiatsu appearing from all around him. Hm, looks like we have some gatherings he said to himself as he picked up one sudden surge. Eh? he said as he stood up looking in the direction of the headquarters. Looks like my upper rank has shown himself Kev said as he gave a smirk. He continued to look in that area as he heard the incoming message from his Vice Captain.

He listened in as he could hear him begin to speak:"Hey Kev, this is Nova. I'd like to brief you on war plans before all hell breaks loose on the base. So if you wouldn't mind, mosey on back over here to the HQ real quick and we'll get this out of the way."Kev looked upwards as he touched his ear piece and quickly gave a response. Roger, Ill be on my way soon he said as he turned around and grabbed his headband as he pulled it back down over his forehead. He wiped his eye as the light began to shine on his face from the horizon and hills to the south of him. Alright, better get this over with Kev said as he bent down quickly jumping up and soon vanishing from the area.

Every few seconds a sound could be hear off the trees and ground below him with a quick reaction at each sound. Kev quickly jumped from one tree to another as he made sure he didnt apply too much pressure to break the branch resulting in him falling to the ground. Okay, almost there! he said with a grunt as he jumped upwards quickly hoping over a small hill planting his feet into the ground as he began to slide down. The Mill should be closer, and around here- he said as he was cut off at the sight of the large facility not far from him.

Kev continue to dash towards the building making sure not to build up too much reiatsu to keep himself invisible from others. I dont need other people on my back for moving out in the open so much he said as he closed his left eye trying to focus on the building. He soon stopped as he was a few meters from it. Now, where is he? Kev said as he looked around. As he passed his eye past a wide gathering of rubble and debris he could quickly feel Novas reiatsu. Okay, there! he said as he jumped upwards gliding towards him for a second. Sorry about the wait he began to shout as he began to fall but in a fashioned manner. But as soon as he planted his foot it steeped into a pile of mud resulting in him falling and rolling towards Nova. ACK! he hollered out as he stopped rolling right near him as he was now covered a mud. Um, I planned that? he said as he began to softly chuckle.

Before Nova was able to speak Kev pulled off his Shihakushou as his undergarments only consisted of a short lower pants and his upper body was covered in bandages. You might want to watch out he said as he quickly started to throw his clothes around as the mud began to fling itself everywhere. Thats better he said as he gave it a closer look and he began to put it back on. Despite the circumstances, he seemed very calm and easy about everything at the moment. He now stood in front of his vice captain as he gave a bow as an apology for his unlikely entrance. He then gave a smile as he began to walk around him listening for Novas words.